Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Sew-on snap fasteners are small two-part press fasteners – a male part with a raised stud and a female part with a socket. They are sewn on with needle and thread through the holes around the edge and stay hidden on the inside of the garment, so the closure is not visible. They are used on dresses, blouses, coats, lingerie and childrenswear wherever an inconspicuous, easy closure is needed.
What sew-on snap fasteners are
Their Bulgarian name, “secret buttons”, comes from their main advantage – they cannot be seen. Unlike an ordinary button with a buttonhole, a sew-on snap works “underneath”: one half is sewn to the wrong side of the upper layer, the other to the right side of the lower layer, and the two snap together when pressed. That is why in the trade and in sewing practice they are also known as sew-on snaps, sew-on press studs or simply sew-on poppers.
How a sew-on snap is made
- Male part – a flat disc with a raised stud in the centre.
- Female part – a disc with a socket into which the stud fits and is held by a springy rim.
- Holes around the edge – usually four, through which the thread passes.
The holding force depends on the size, material and design of the socket. Small snaps open with light pressure, while large ones for outerwear hold considerably more firmly.
Types of sew-on snap fasteners
By material
Metal snaps are most often made of brass or steel with a finish – nickel colour (nickel free), black, gold, bronze. They are thin, strong and have a clear “click”. Plastic snaps (usually nylon) are light, do not rust and come in clear, white and black; the clear ones are almost invisible on any fabric.
By size
From miniature models of around 5–6 mm for lingerie and babywear up to large ones of 15–20 mm and more for coats and jackets. The choice is based on the fabric thickness and how firmly the closure needs to hold.
Covered sew-on snaps
On coats and jackets, large sew-on snaps are sometimes covered with fabric in the colour of the garment, so that even when it is open the metal does not show.
Sew-on snaps vs other concealed fastenings
| Fastening | Attachment | Advantage | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sew-on snap fastener | Sewn on with thread | Does not pierce the fabric, opens easily | Dresses, blouses, coats, lingerie |
| Snap button (press-on) | Attached with a press | Fast attachment, high strength | Jackets, denim, baby bodysuits |
| Wire hook and eye | Sewn on with thread | Very flat, holds under tension | Necklines, skirt waistbands, lingerie |
| Hook and loop | Sewn or glued | Adjustable length | Children’s and sports products |
If you are looking for a press-on option, see snap buttons, and for a flat closure under tension – hooks and eyes.
When to choose sew-on snap fasteners
- when the fabric is thin, delicate or stretchy and cannot take piercing by a press;
- when the closure must not be visible from the outside;
- when there is no press equipment or the run is small;
- when an extra fastening point is needed – on a lapel, neckline, strap or double-breasted coat;
- when the fastener must be movable or replaceable without leaving a mark.
When they are not the best choice
Sew-on snaps are not designed for places with heavy constant tension – such as a trouser or skirt waistband. There, trouser hooks and bars or hooks and eyes work better. On products that are fastened and unfastened very often and with force, such as denim jackets and workwear, press-on snap buttons are more durable.
Uses by garment type
- Dresses and blouses – neckline, concealed placket, lingerie strap keepers.
- Coats and jackets – inner fastening on double-breasted styles, lapels, collars.
- Children’s and baby clothes – light plastic models that do not irritate the skin.
- Lingerie and nightdresses – miniature snaps that cannot be felt.
- Stage costumes – quick changes.
- Home textiles – covers, cushions, throws.
How to store and select sew-on snaps in the factory
In production, sew-on snaps are supplied in pairs – male and female parts in equal numbers. Keep them in labelled boxes by size, material and colour, because two close sizes are hard to tell apart at first glance. Before starting a run, compare the snap with the approved sample and check the snapping force. If the collection has several fabric colours, plan the matching snap and thread colours when ordering materials, so you do not have to make last-minute substitutions.
How to choose sew-on snap fasteners
- Determine the fabric – thin, medium or thick.
- Assess the load at the fastening point.
- Choose the material – metal for strength, plastic for lightness and invisibility.
- Choose a size proportionate to the fabric and the spot.
- Pick a colour – clear, white, black or a metal finish to match.
- Provide threads in the colour of the fabric for an invisible seam.
Caring for garments with sew-on snaps
Fasten the snaps before washing – this way they do not catch on other garments and do not deform. Iron on the wrong side and avoid direct iron pressure on plastic models. If a snap starts to come undone by itself, check whether the thread has loosened – often a few extra stitches are enough.
Sew-on snap fasteners from the manufacturer
You can browse the full range of sew-on models in the sew-on snap fasteners category. Polkom is a Bulgarian wholesale manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience, large stock, fast sampling and delivery across the EU. Send an inquiry with the size, material and colour via the contact page.
